The Name of the Wind

Kingkiller Chronicle, Book 1

By: Patrick Rothfuss

Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Length: 27 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

Discover #1 New York Times bestselling Patrick Rothfuss’ epic fantasy series, The Kingkiller Chronicle.

“I just love the world of Patrick Rothfuss.” (Lin-Manuel Miranda)

“He’s bloody good, this Rothfuss guy.” (George R. R. Martin)

“Rothfuss has real talent.” (Terry Brooks)

Over 1 Million Copies Sold!

Day One: The Name of the Wind

My name is Kvothe.

I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.

You may have heard of me.

So begins a tale unequaled in fantasy literature - the story of a hero told in his own voice. It is a tale of sorrow, a tale of survival, a tale of one man’s search for meaning in his universe, and how that search, and the indomitable will that drove it, gave birth to a legend.

Praise for The Kingkiller Chronicle:

“The best epic fantasy I read last year.... He’s bloody good, this Rothfuss guy.” (George R. R. Martin, New York Times bestselling author of A Song of Ice and Fire)

“Rothfuss has real talent, and his tale of Kvothe is deep and intricate and wondrous.” (Terry Brooks, New York Times bestselling author of Shannara)

"It is a rare and great pleasure to find a fantasist writing...with true music in the words." (Ursula K. Le Guin, award-winning author of Earthsea)

"The characters are real and the magic is true.” (Robin Hobb, New York Times bestselling author of Assassin’s Apprentice)

"Masterful.... There is a beauty to Pat's writing that defies description." (Brandon Sanderson, New York Times bestselling author of Mistborn)

©2007 by Patrick Rothfuss. (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“The originality of Rothfuss's outstanding debut fantasy, the first of a trilogy, lies less in its unnamed imaginary world than in its precise execution…As absorbing on a second reading as it is on the first, this is the type of assured, rich first novel most writers can only dream of producing. The fantasy world has a new star.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

“Fantasy readers-a notoriously discerning group-tend to dole out praise judiciously, which makes the reception of The Name of the Wind, the first volume in Patrick Rothfuss's The Kingkiller Chronicle, that much more remarkable. Critics are already throwing around comparisons to some of the biggest names in fantasy, including George R. R. Martin, Tad Williams, the recently deceased Robert Jordan, and even Tolkien. (Bookmarks Magazine)

“New fantasy authors are usually overhyped, and it's rare to find one who writes with such assurance and narrative skill right from the start. I was reminded of Ursula LeGuin, George R. R. Martin, and J. R. R. Tolkien, but never felt that Rothfuss was imitating anyone. Like the writers he clearly admires, he's an old-fashioned storyteller working with traditional elements, but his voice is his own. I haven't been so gripped by a new fantasy series in years. It's certain to become a classic." (Lisa Tuttle, The Times)

great listen

I was hesitant about this story at first, due to the slow start, but soon I was definitely drawn into the characters and the story. the performance was wonderful, and I'm definitely going to continue the story.

Even better the second time around!

I loved it the first time around. It was gripping, exciting, a downright amazing story that had me laughing and weeping within minutes of each other. I didn't think a second listen would be as good. It was better.

Great book, terrible Narration.

What did you love best about The Name of the Wind?

What I loved most about this book was the book! The characters and story were great I cant wait to read the second.

Would you be willing to try another one of Nick Podehl’s performances?

Absolutely NOT. I'm sorry to be so harsh but Nick is just not narrator material, his voice is just to young and innocent sounding to take seriously it was like listening to a high school kid read children's books to kindergarteners.

Well Read

Any additional comments?

It is unavoidable that in fantasy novel audiobooks the reader will read different characters in an accent. I thought Nick Podehl did a great job choosing which real-world accents to apply to different characters as they seemed to fit with what Rothfuss may have had in mind. Of course the story is great as well.

Really great. On par with Butcher and Weeks

Finally another author worth looking forward to. A great combination of world building, character development, and storyline

Very entertaining!

To classify it as sci-fi is misleading. While it has magic and mystical aspects it really has a little bit of everything in it. I think anyone could enjoy it!

Shocked and appalled

As a lover of coming of age tales rooted in fantasy and magic I'm shocked and appalled that I had never heard of this novel until recently.
The author is a masterful story teller. Many times I found myself captivated, I couldn't stop listening even late into the night when I should be sleeping before a big exam.

I listen to a lot of books and am master level on the audible app, yet this is the first review I've ever written. That should be pretty telling as to the quality of this book.

The performance was perfect, I couldn't think of a better voice for the character. The writing is witty, deep, and engaging. The concept is quite interesting as the author is telling a story of a man telling his own story, very intriguing.

There is magic, science, love, action..I don't think anything is to be desired.

I only hope book 2 lives up to this one.

If you love coming of age tales or simply want a great fantasy/magic type book to listen to please get this one. You won't regret it.

Amazing book! The style of his writing is awesome

His diction is simply incredible, it sucks you in to the world instantly. Definitely worth the buy.

I love Patrick Rothfuss

Would you consider the audio edition of The Name of the Wind to be better than the print version?

I did not read the print version. But Nick Podehl kicked ass. I hope he has more work in fantasy books in his future.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kvothe... The whole story is about him.

Which character ??? as performed by Nick Podehl ??? was your favorite?

Kvothe again the whole story is about him.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

This is pretty long book. Being a emotionless male and saying that it moved me more then once is HUGE.

Any additional comments?

GET THIS BOOK.... GET THIS BOOK.... You will not regret it at all.

Amazing

A deep rooted fantasy novel grounded in humanity. The narrator is fantastic in his interpretation of the novel and I loved every minute. I could not have enjoyed an audio book more. I recommend it to any and all readers, fantasy buffs or not.